Seven years after the death of Edward Hyde, a stylish gentleman shows up in foggy London claiming to be Dr Henry Jekyll. Only Mr Utterson, Jekyll’s faithful lawyer and confidant, knows that he must be an impostor – because Jekyll was Hyde. But as the man goes about charming Jekyll’s friends and reclaiming his estate, and as the bodies of potential challengers start piling up, Utterson is left fearing for his life … and questioning his own sanity.

My Thoughts & Review:

First thing I have to say about this book is will you look at that cover – it’s beyond gorgeous!

Following the mysterious death of Mr Edward Hyde and the disappearance of Dr Henry Jekyll, lawyer Gabriel Utterson found himself named as the beneficiary of his good friend’s last will and testament. Utterson decides to wait the seven years legally set out so that Dr Jekyll can be declared dead, and in turn inherit the state of the declared deceased. However the arrival of an imposter claiming to be Dr Jekyll throws a spanner in the works.

Having not read the original book by Robert Louis Stevenson for some years, I can still remember the tale (somewhat hazily) and I feel that O’Neill has taken great time to ensure that readers new to the Jekyll and Hyde tale will have enough detail to understand the finer details of the story as well as elucidating wonderfully on small points for readers already knowledgeable about these characters.

The way that O’Neill writes is wonderfully poetic and descriptive, readers cannot help but feel transported to the era, envisioning the chimney sweeps scampering across rooftops, the dapper appearance of gentlemen of the time in their outdoor attire including ornate walking canes etc. The descriptions of the foggy London setting conjure clear images in my head of the murky and gritty streets that Utterson walks at night as he tries to catch out the imposter.

A well written and clever addition to the Jekyll and Hyde classic tale, that I found to be an intriguing and beguiling read.

Many thanks to Black & White Publishing for my advanced copy to read and for inviting me to take part in the blog tour.